Albert Camus wrote the novel, The Stranger, in an attempt to speak of the great importance of truth in society. His character, Mersault, ends up being executed, on a deeper level, because of truth and how he didn't conform to the societal standards of emotion, regret, and confession. Mersault does not share with emotional levels of most members of society, thus when he seemingly just shows apathy throughout his whole criminal trial and in his relationshps, he is isolated. Mersault's perception of truth does not align with that of society; while society practices a belief that truth is slightly tainted and can be swayed in order to produce desired results such as freedom, the approval of others, or the easy way out, Mersault holds to truth as an absolute entity. As Mersault shares his anti-social thoughts and feelings, the public hates him for it, finding that the only way they can eliminate this individual who is so different than themselves is to execute him. In another sense, the reader is drawn to this character not necessarily out of love for him but rather an interest in his truthful behavior, however disturbing. Some of the comments or thoughts Mersault has are so simplisitic, so truthful they are similar to that of a child, except for the lack of morality. Camus explores society's relationship to truth, repression, and distortion of it.
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